After months of speculation, Ford has finally released the official specifications for the 2017 F-150 Raptor.
Powered by the company’s new 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost six-cylinder, the new F-150 pumps out 450 hp and a neck-snapping 510 lb-ft of torque. That’s 39 hp and 76 lb-ft more than the previous Raptor.
As the new Raptor utilizes the same aluminum body and high-strength steel frame as other F-150 models, it weighs up to 500 pounds (226kg) less than the previous-generation model. As a result, torque-to-weight ratio has improved by 21 per cent, despite the downsizing of the engine from a V8. Further aiding in the performance department is the new 10-speed automatic transmission and torque-on-demand transfer case which helps the engine provide much more low-RPM torque than previously.
Alongside the performance gains, the new twin-turbo V6 is 23 per cent more fuel efficient than the V8, averaging 18 mpg on the highway, 15 mpg in the city and 16 mpg over the combined cycle.
According to Ford Performance engineering supervisor Matt Tranter, “The torque-on-demand transfer case and six-mode Terrain Management System is unique to Raptor in the Ford family of vehicles. It gives you the benefit of a clutched all-wheel-drive system for easy around-town maneuverability in bad weather. Then, there’s Baja Mode, which automatically engages a mechanically locked 4X4 high, and optimizes throttle response, shifting and boost control to provide improved off-road capability. That’s definitely drawing a line in the sand.”
While Ford has yet to announce pricing details for the model, a recent leak suggested that the entry-level F-150 Raptor Supercab will be priced at $49,520. The larger Supercrew variant is then expected to set customers back at least $52,505.
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